News: Arts & Culture Commission Completes Fundraising for MLK39 Mural

Date Published	Author
3/21/2022 12:00:00 AM

Bristol, CT., March 22, 2022 – City of Bristol Arts & Culture Commission is pleased to announce the completion of fundraising for their upcoming MLK39 Racial Equity Mural project. In just short of two months, the Commission received nine major sponsors ($500+) and dozens of community donations to reach their predetermined goal of $15,000. The project is in partnership with Connecticut’s RiseUP Group, who are on a mission to bring 39 murals inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the state; one to honor each year of King Jr.’s life.

In September of 2021, the Arts & Culture Commission submitted an application to join the Mural Tour, and within a few weeks, received notice of their acceptance. The Arts & Culture Commission then formed an MLK Steering Committee comprised of local stakeholders. The Committee’s main objectives included fundraising strategies, artist selection, and guiding the mural’s design. In addition to completing fundraising, the artist for the project, Micaela Levesque, has been selected, and the initial design is underway. Levesque, a Connecticut-based artist, recently completed a large-scale mural on the Women’s Empowerment Center in Hartford. The enormity and caliber her prior work excited Committee members, and ultimately drew them to select Levesque for this project.

Bristol’s mural will be the 13thmural brought to life, with RiseUP’s Executive Director, Matt Conway, confirming a half dozen more currently underway throughout the state. Sponsorship kicked off with Main Street Community Foundation (MSCF), the project’s largest sponsor, supporting the mural with $5,000. Susan Sadecki, MCSF’s President & CEO shared, “The Arts create vibrant communities and this project will not only enhance the City of Bristol, but celebrate its diversity. We are proud to be able to support this important initiative.”

The public art piece will be located on the Primo Press building at 106 Riverside Avenue, with Levesque’s work set to begin in May. “I am a believer of diversity and inclusion in our community and I’m very excited to hear the conversations that will take place as people have the ability to visualize moments in history as they are stimulated through the expression of art,” stated Scott Rosado, owner of Primo Press.

The Commission will hold Community Paint Days in May as an opportunity for many hands to be a part of this artwork. Be sure to follow the Arts & Culture Commission on Facebook
(facebook.com/cityartsandculturebristolct) for further details on these dates, and to follow along as the project evolves!

For more information, please visit www.BristolRec.com

About the City of Bristol Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services
It is the mission of the City of Bristol Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) to deliver high-quality services and facilities that enhance the community’s quality of life, meet the diverse needs of all citizens, and build a sustainable future.

Media Inquiries:
Erica Benoit
Community Engagement Coordinator
(860) 584 - 6160
Ericabenoit@bristolct.gov
Website: www.BristolRec.com